Creative Duke
Albuquerque, NM: Jordan Tate Albuquerque, NM: Jordan Tate is the owner of Creative Duke, a creative design company based in Albuquerque. He first approached WESST in July 2019 when he decided to turn his side project into a full-time company. Jordan initially received a WESST Hope loan and describes it as "the boost I needed to get my business operational." He was able to purchase equipment to secure his initial clients, providing him with a good starting point as far as qual
Aurora Borealis Glassworks
Albuquerque, NM: John Owen Albuquerque, NM: John Owen is the owner of Aurora Borealis Glassworks in Albuquerque, the only public access glass art school in the city. He had previously served as lead instructor when the opportunity arose to purchase the established and successful glass-blowing studio. John reached out to WESST in May 2023 for financial and coaching support when he was in the process of purchasing the business. John had more than a decade of hands-on experienc
Jack's Plastic Welding
Aztec, NM: Jack's Plastic Welding team, TJ Garcia, Miguel, Layla, Dylon, Evan, Perri, Carlos Moreno, Tyson, Shannon, Amber, Travor, Niaomi, and Greg. Dereck P not included in photo. Aztec, NM: Jack’s Plastic Welding (JPW), based in Aztec, NM, has been building durable inflatable products since 1982. The business began as a sole proprietorship and has now grown into a specialized manufacturing operation with a 10,000+ square foot facility. In 2025, WESST, the New Mexico Manuf
McCabe Experiential Learning
Farmington, NM: Roman McCabe, McCabe Experiential Learning In 2024, Roman McCabe established McCabe Experiential Learning, specializing in team dynamics, consultation, and facilitation. When previously employed, McCabe Experiential Learning was just an idea, but Roman knew it would be beneficial for team building offered as a formal service. He had a special skillset in teaching and promoting diverse learning environments. Roman has been a rodeo announcer since he was 22 year
Albuquerque School of Healing Arts
Albuquerque, NM: Sara Ferrell and Laura Freed, Albuquerque School of Healing Arts (ASHA) When Sara Ferrell and Laura Freed first connected with WESST, it was through a long-standing relationship rooted in community. “I’ve known about WESST for over 20 years,” Sara shared. Her son went to school with Agnes, WESST’s previous Executive Director, and she met Mark, WESST’s previous Incubator Director, about 15 years ago when she first began exploring the idea of opening a business
Mr. Teez
Gallup, NM: Frank and Kathleen Sanchez, Mr. Teez Frank Sanchez has been the owner of Mr. Teez since November 2017. His screen-printing business was established on the basis of providing exceptional customer service, and their goal has always been to ensure our customers love their products. They are proud to support Gallup and the surrounding areas with their graphic design needs. During the COVID pandemic, like so many other small businesses, Mr. Teez faced some difficult
Studio 11 Fitness LLC
Hobbs, NM: Lorena Chavarria, Studio 11 Fitness LLC Hailing from a family of boxers out of Hobbs, Lorena Chavarria has always had a strong connection to the sport through her family. It has been a continued, meaningful part of her life, instilling discipline and resilience. When Lorena first taught women’s boxing classes at her brother’s gym, she gained more than just coaching experience. She saw firsthand the positive impact that the art of boxing was having on women. It was
Advantis Group Co., LLC
Albuquerque, NM: Luis Quinonez, Advantis Group Co., LLC In his twenties, Luis Quinonez started an internet company called MundoNet, working with businesses like the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce to establish their online presence. He was introduced to WESST shortly after its inception through the Chamber, and he saw, firsthand, how many small businesses benefited from WESST’s resources, from lending to technical assistance. When Luis was a college student, he rememb
ValidSync
Albuquerque, NM In 2025, Solomon Gbara first learned about WESST through Jordan Tate, owner of Creative Duke and WESST Incubator member. Solomon was interested in learning more about credit, who to speak to, and was referred to Melissa, WESST’s Loan Operations Officer. As a UNM college student and young entrepreneur building his own business, ValidSync, Solomon wanted help in establishing an LLC and taking care of his credit. He was able to successfully set up his LLC with t